Reported Speech: Rules, Examples, and Exercises Explained

English grammar has many topics that confuse learners, and one of the most important is reported speech. Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, allows us to tell others what someone said without repeating their exact words.

For example:

• Direct Speech: She said, “I am learning English.”

• Reported Speech: She said that she was learning English.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:

• What is reported speech?

• Rules of reported speech.

• Reported speech examples.

• Reported speech questions.

• Reported speech exercises with answers.

• Common mistakes and tips to improve.

By the end, you will be confident in converting sentences into reported speech correctly.

What is Reported Speech?

Reported speech is a way of expressing what someone has said without quoting them directly. Instead of using quotation marks, we rephrase their statement while keeping the meaning intact.

Examples:

• Direct: He said, “I will study tomorrow.”

• Reported: He said that he would study the next day.

Reported speech in English grammar is widely used in conversation, academic writing, journalism, and professional communication. It helps us:

• Share information more clearly.

• Avoid repetition.

• Maintain flow in stories and conversations.

Why is Reported Speech Important?

Understanding reported speech in grammar is crucial because:

• It improves fluency in English speaking and writing.

• It is essential for exams and academic writing.

• It helps in storytelling, narration, and journalism.

• It develops strong communication skills.

For example, in journalism:

• Direct Speech: The minister said, “We are starting a new scheme.”

• Reported Speech: The minister said that they were starting a new scheme.

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Reported Speech Rules

Learning the rules of reported speech is the key to using it correctly.

1. Tense Change (Backshifting)

When reporting past speech, tenses usually shift one step back.

• Present Simple → Past Simple

  • Direct: “I like apples.”

  • Reported: She said that she liked apples.

• Present Continuous → Past Continuous

  • Direct: “I am studying.”

  • Reported: He said that he was studying.

• Present Perfect → Past Perfect

  • Direct: “I have finished my homework.”

  • Reported: She said that she had finished her homework.

• Will → Would

  • Direct: “I will help you.”

  • Reported: He said that he would help me.

• 

2. Pronoun Changes in Reported Speech

Pronouns must change according to context.

• Direct: He said, “I am happy.”

• Reported: He said that he was happy.

• Direct: She told me, “You are my best friend.”

• Reported: She told me that I was her best friend.

3. Time and Place Changes

Words that show time and place also change in reported speech.

Example:

• Direct: She said, “I will meet you tomorrow.”

• Reported: She said that she would meet me the next day.

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4. Reporting Verbs in Reported Speech

Common reporting verbs are: said, told, asked, mentioned, explained, replied, suggested, advised.

• Direct: He said, “I am tired.”

• Reported: He said that he was tired.

• Direct: She asked, “Where do you live?”

• Reported: She asked where I lived.

5. No Change in Universal Truths

If the statement is always true, no tense change occurs.

• Direct: She said, “The sun rises in the east.”

• Reported: She said that the sun rises in the east.

Types of Reported Speech

There are different types of reported speech in English grammar:

1. Reported Statements

• Direct: She said, “I love music.”

• Reported: She said that she loved music.

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2. Reported Questions

• Yes/No Questions:

  • Direct: He asked, “Do you like tea?”

  • Reported: He asked if I liked tea.

• Wh-Questions:

  • Direct: She asked, “Where are you going?”

  • Reported: She asked where I was going.

3. Reported Commands and Requests

• Direct: He said, “Close the door.”

• Reported: He told me to close the door.

• Direct: She said, “Please help me.”

• Reported: She asked me to help her.

4. Reported Suggestions

• Direct: She said, “Let’s study together.”

• Reported: She suggested studying together.

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Reported Speech Examples

Here are more examples of reported speech:

1. Direct: She said, “I am reading a novel.”
   Reported: She said that she was reading a novel.

2. Direct: He said, “I will call you tonight.”
   Reported: He said that he would call me that night.

3. Direct: They said, “We have completed the project.”
   Reported: They said that they had completed the project.

4. Direct: She asked, “What time is it?”
   Reported: She asked what time it was.

5. Direct: He said, “I am feeling sick today.”
   Reported: He said that he was feeling sick that day.

Reported Speech Questions

Reported speech questions are tricky for many learners.

• Direct: He asked, “Do you know English?”

• Reported: He asked if I knew English.

• Direct: She asked, “When will you leave?”

• Reported: She asked when I would leave.

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Reported Speech Exercises

Exercise 1 – Convert into Reported Speech

1. She said, “I am tired.”

2. He said, “I have finished my homework.”

3. They said, “We will visit Delhi tomorrow.”

4. She asked, “Do you know the answer?”

5. He said, “I am watching TV.”

Exercise 2 – Identify Mistakes in Reported Speech

1. She said that she is tired. (wrong)

2. He said that he will call me. (wrong)

3. They asked that where I live. (wrong)

(Answers given at the end of the blog)

Common Mistakes in Reported Speech

1. Forgetting to change tense.

2. Using wrong pronouns.

3. Keeping time expressions unchanged.

4. Mixing direct and reported structures.

5. Misusing reporting verbs.

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Tips to Master Reported Speech

• Practice converting direct speech daily.

• Memorize the table of tense changes.

• Revise pronoun and time word changes.

• Read stories and spot reported speech examples.

• Solve worksheets and exercises regularly.

Reported Speech Examples with Answers

Answers to Exercises

Exercise 1:

1. She said that she was tired.

2. He said that he had finished his homework.

3. They said that they would visit Delhi the next day.

4. She asked if I knew the answer.

5. He said that he was watching TV.

Exercise 2:

1. Correct: She said that she was tired.

2. Correct: He said that he would call me.

3. Correct: They asked where I lived.

Reported Speech in Daily Life

• News reporting: The journalist said that the event was canceled.

• Storytelling: The teacher said that the rabbit was clever.

• Conversations: My mother told me that dinner was ready.

Reported Speech vs Direct Speech

Reported Speech Chart

Reported speech is one of the most essential parts of English grammar. By mastering its rules, practicing with examples, and avoiding common mistakes, learners can confidently use it in conversations, writing, and exams.

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• Worksheets & Exercises: Extra practice with real examples.

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FAQs on Reported Speech

Q1. What is reported speech in grammar?
It is a way of telling what someone said without using their exact words.

Q2. What are the rules of reported speech?
Change tenses, pronouns, and time/place words when needed.

Q3. What is an example of reported speech?
Direct: She said, “I like English.” Reported: She said that she liked English.

Q4. How do you report Yes/No questions?
Use if or whether: He asked if I was coming.

Q5. What are common mistakes in reported speech?
Not changing tense, pronouns, or time expressions properly.